"She Spot" Initiative Provides Free Hygiene Products to Students in Need

Strategic Insights -

A program launched in October 2021 by Chronic Absenteeism Officer Raquel Amador at John F. Kennedy High School provides students with free personal hygiene products, including sanitary napkins, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, and soap. The initiative, dubbed "She Spot," aims to address the issue of students missing school due to lack of access to basic hygiene items. According to Amador, about six students per day visit her "She Spot" at Kennedy High School, where they can pick up products without any questions asked.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "She Spot" initiative was launched in October 2021 by Chronic Absenteeism Officer Raquel Amador at John F. Kennedy High School.
  • The program provides free personal hygiene products to students, including sanitary napkins, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, and soap.
  • The initiative aims to address the issue of students missing school due to lack of access to basic hygiene items.
  • Amador distributes products without any questions asked, and students can visit the "She Spot" up to six times per day.
  • Genesis Perdomo, a sophomore at Kennedy High School, has been benefiting from the program and praises Amador for making her feel safe in school.
  • The program has become a popular destination, with students referring their peers to the "She Spot."
  • Pastor Matt Andersen connected the school district with a local church that provided warehouse space to store the donated hygiene products.
  • Clergy participants have collected 2,500 hygiene products for Confidence Closets.

Statistics:

  • 28,500 hygiene products were donated by Colgate Palmolive to stock similar programs at other Paterson schools.
  • 18 plastic bins, each 3 across and 4 feet high, are filled with toiletry items and stored in Amador's office.
  • About 6 students per day visit Amador's "She Spot" at Kennedy High School.
  • The goal is to expand the program to 33 schools across the district.
  • 2,500 hygiene products have been collected by clergy participants for Confidence Closets.

Sources:

  • Paterson Press
  • Colgate Palmolive